October Birthstone - Opal

The birthstone for October is the stunningly iridescent opal. 

Opals are formed when water combines with silica from sandstone and seeps through cracks in the earth, and are unique as they are amorphous in nature— meaning they have no defined crystalline structure. Opals are loved for their mysterious beauty and kaleidoscopic play of colour, which refers to the light that passes through the stone and reflects multiple colours colours across its surface. 

October birthstone jewellery is not only popular with those born during this month, but those who prefer a more unique feel to their gems. An opal necklace can add a sophisticated touch to casual-wear, while an opal bracelet provides a bit of subtle shimmer, more obvious when layered together. Use a pair of opal studs to accent a day look or a sharp evening look. An October birthstone ring, meanwhile, looks especially good in a yellow or rose gold setting.

Opal is the official birthstone of October for a number of reasons. 

Thanks to their flash of brilliance and beautiful array of colours, opals are thought to spark creativity and a zest for life in those who wear them. Some believe that opals can represent inner calm, strong communication skills and a balance in one’s self, while others consider opals to be good luck, especially for those born in October. 

Traditionally, an October birthstone necklace was worn in the belief it protected against various ailments. Nowadays, opals are a beautiful accessory to pair with a matching bracelet or ring, or to contrast with other gems or metals. 

Opals also have a great level of significance for those born under the Libra and Scorpio zodiacs, as well as those celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary.

Always seen as an intriguing gem, an opal can mean different things to different people. 

Throughout the years, opals have been known to symbolise wealth and prosperity. They are also thought to signify hope and tranquillity, and are even known to be quite a joyous gem, representing happiness and an optimistic outlook. Many even believe the opal to have romantic qualities, thought to ignite passion, as well as symbolising marital bliss and faithfulness to one’s partner.  

Honesty and truth are two other well-regarded traits that are thought to represent this gem. They’ve even been used to promote feelings of confidence and limitless possibilities.  

What meaning you choose to assign to an opal, however, is entirely up to you.

Opals are a truly unique gemstone. They are renowned for the radiant patterns of colour within the stone; in fact, the way opals reflect light into rainbows of colour is so unique, it has its own name – opalescence.

Opals form in a range of colours, with their main colour ranging from white to black, and bright red to blue, with different types featuring a unique kaleidoscope of colours within.

Opals symbolise hope, happiness, and love, making them a beautiful gesture for your loved ones with October birthdays.

Most of the world’s natural opals come from Australia. Opals are formed when water mixes with silica in rock underground. Over time – over millions of years, in fact – and where the conditions are right, an opal forms.